Can LATAM Airlines Outrun Delta Air Lines in the Next Rally?
Delta Air Lines surged 9.4% during the past Day. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer LATAM Airlines gives you more. LATAM Airlines (LTM) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Delta Air Lines (DAL) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in LTM
- LTM’s quarterly revenue growth was 21.9%, vs. DAL’s 12.9%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 16.1%, ahead of DAL’s 5.2%.
- LTM leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 17.4% and 3-year average of 13.8%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how DAL’s fundamentals stack up against those of LTM on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| DAL | LTM | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 8.4 | 5.6 | LTM |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 12.9% | 21.9% | LTM |
| Last 12 Months | 5.2% | 16.1% | LTM |
| Last 3 Year Average | 6.5% | 13.8% | LTM |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 8.8% | 17.4% | LTM |
| Last 3 Year Average | 9.8% | 13.8% | LTM |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 115.2% | 18123.6% | LTM |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
- Better Value & Growth: LTM Leads Delta Air Lines Stock
- Delta Air Lines Earnings Driven By Premium Revenue And Cost Discipline
- Delta Premium Gains Squeezed by Fuel Shock
- LTM Looks Smarter Buy Than Delta Air Lines Stock
- Stronger Bet Than Delta Air Lines Stock: LTM Delivers More
- Down 21%, Is Delta Air Lines Stock a Buy Now?
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell LTM Stock and Buy or Sell DAL Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| DAL Return | -3% | -16% | 23% | 52% | 16% | -2% | 74% | ||
| LTM Return | -76% | 18% | 22% | 4577% | 108% | -14% | 2786% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 7% | 96% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| DAL Win Rate | 50% | 50% | 42% | 58% | 67% | 40% | 51% | ||
| LTM Win Rate | 33% | 42% | 42% | 58% | 75% | 20% | 45% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 60% | 64% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| DAL Max Drawdown | -35% | -37% | -37% | -30% | -48% | -23% | -35% | ||
| LTM Max Drawdown | -89% | -82% | -52% | -92% | -19% | -34% | -61% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -5% | -25% | -10% | -8% | -19% | -9% | -13% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 5/20/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read LTM Dip Buyer Analyses and DAL Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about DAL or LTM? Consider portfolio approach.
Smart Investing Begins With Portfolios
Stocks soar and sink – the key is staying invested. A balanced portfolio helps you ride market volatility, boosts gains, and reduces single stock risk.
Why settle for average market returns? The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio invests in a diverse group of 30 stocks that have collectively delivered stronger upside with reduced volatility compared to the broader indices. Discover the methodology behind these smoother, higher returns by checking the HQ Portfolio performance data.